Fusion System: Rebirth in a Courtyard - Bird Fighting Chronicles

Chapter 145 A Red List Shines on the Court, Stitches Embroider Reunion

In June, the cicadas' chirping in the Hongxing Courtyard was already quite lively. The mint planted by Yan Bugui in the front yard had already climbed all over the windowsills. Watered in the evening, its cool fragrance mingled with the scent of soap wafting from Qin Huairu's sewing shop in the middle courtyard, spreading across the blue brick floor. This ordinary evening was suddenly disrupted by a red notice sent from Hongxing Middle School—the news that Jia Dang had been admitted to the Municipal Textile Industry School spread like wildfire, reaching every corner in an instant.

The person delivering the admission notice was the middle school's dean of studies, riding a slightly worn bicycle with a gold-embossed admission letter hanging from the handlebars. As soon as he entered the courtyard, he shouted, "Is Comrade Qin Huairu home? Jia Dang's admission notice has arrived! She's been accepted to the Municipal Textile Industry School. Only three students from our district have been admitted! Our courtyard has produced a female scholar!"

Qin Huairu was altering clothes for her neighbor in the sewing shop when she heard the shout. The needle and thread in her hand fell to the fabric with a "plop." She hurriedly wiped the thread off her hands, and when she ran out, the stray hairs at her temples were covered with fine beads of sweat. When she saw the red list and notice in the dean's hand, her lips trembled, and she couldn't utter a complete sentence for a long time. Even the movement of reaching out to take it was trembling.

"Sister-in-law Qin, catch this! This is wonderful news!" Grandpa Wang from next door, holding a teacup, came over and gave her a playful nudge. Qin Huairu finally snapped out of her daze, took the hard-covered acceptance letter with both hands, and as her fingertips touched the five gold-embossed characters for "Acceptance Letter," tears streamed down her face. She wiped away her tears and smiled, her voice choked with emotion: "My Dangdang, she really got in… she really got in…"

When Jia Dang returned from fetching water, she saw the courtyard crowded with people. A red notice was posted on the old locust tree in the middle courtyard, with her name circled in vermilion ink, standing out prominently. She put down the bucket, her cheeks flushed red, and quietly hid behind her mother, tugging at her sleeve: "Mother, don't just cry, the director is still here."

The head of student affairs smiled and patted Jia Dang on the shoulder: "Jia Dang, you are the pride of our school! You excel in academics and are also number one in handicrafts. The teachers at the textile school saw your embroidery and specifically said they would give you special training. Study hard, and you will be a key technical member of our city's textile factory in the future!" As he spoke, he took out a book called "Fundamentals of Textile Technology" from his canvas bag. "This is a gift from the school to you. Study it in advance so you can keep up with the pace when you get to school."

Sha Zhu had just come home from get off work, carrying a braised pork knuckle he'd brought from the canteen. Upon hearing the news, he exclaimed, "Great! Our courtyard has produced a college student! Qin Huairu, we must celebrate tonight! I was planning to eat this braised pork knuckle myself, but I'll add it to your family's meal tonight!" As he spoke, he headed towards the Jia family's kitchen. When he passed the honor roll, he deliberately stopped, leaned over, and read Jia Dang's name three times, clapping and laughing like a child.

Lin Chen and Su Qing also rushed over upon hearing the commotion. Su Qing handed Jia Dang a brand-new notebook, saying, "Ding ding, this is a gift from your Uncle Lin and me. I've written some study notes on the first page. There are a lot of things to memorize in textile majors, so this notebook is perfect." Lin Chen looked at the major name on the red list and nodded, saying, "The textile industry is a pillar industry in our city. Choosing this major is a good decision; you won't have to worry about finding a job after graduation. If the school has any technical problems, feel free to ask me anytime."

Yan Bugui, adjusting his glasses, came over, holding an abacus and quickly calculating, "The Textile Industry School is a vocational school, with room and board provided, and a three-yuan monthly stipend. Sister-in-law Qin, your burden will be much lighter. I just calculated the tuition; it's only fifty yuan for the first year. We can definitely pool our money together, no problem." As soon as he said this, Liu Guangtian immediately chimed in, "I'll give you ten yuan! Dangdang is a sensible child; he always helped my brother with his homework. This is the least we can do."

Qin Huairu quickly waved her hand, "No need, no need, I appreciate everyone's kindness. The sewing shop has been doing well these past few years, and I've saved up some money; it's enough for tuition. Besides, if Dangdang's father were still here, he would definitely be happy to see his daughter doing so well." Mentioning Jia Dongxu, her eyes reddened again, but this time, her tears were filled with more relief. Ever since she learned that Jia Dongxu's work injury was because Jia Zhangshi had asked him to go home early to fix the windows, she had only grown distant from her mother-in-law, but she had never slacked off on her children's education, insisting on sending all three children to school no matter how hard or tiring it was.

Just then, Jia Huaihua ran back with her schoolbag on her back. The little girl, a junior high school student with two braids, held up a certificate in her hand: "Mom! Sister! I won an award too! First place in the girls' 800 meters at the school sports meet!" She ran to Jia Dang and handed her the certificate. Both sisters beamed with smiles. Qin Huairu hugged one daughter in each arm, feeling her heart overflowing with joy. All the hard work of the past few years had been worthwhile at this moment.

Jia Geng was the last to return. He had just finished his apprenticeship at the steel rolling mill, still wearing his work clothes stained with machine oil, and carrying an oiled paper package. Seeing the lively scene in the yard, and then his sister's name on the honor roll, he paused for a moment, then scratched his head and smiled. He walked up to Qin Huairu and handed her the oiled paper package: "Mother, I got my apprenticeship wages and bought my sister a fountain pen. She can use it for her homework now."

Qin Huairu looked at the fountain pen in her son's hand. The barrel was black with a silver clip, gleaming in the setting sun. She knew it cost five yuan, bought with half a month's worth of saved-up food money. She patted Jia Geng's head. This child, once taught by Jia Zhangshi to steal, was now the most diligent apprentice in the workshop, and had even received a reward for completing his forging task ahead of schedule. Lin Chen had taken him to the steel rolling mill workshop years ago, pointing to the equipment Jia Dongxu had once operated, and said, "Stealing is never as good as skill," a statement he had always kept in mind.

"Don't stand there, come inside and sit down!" Qin Huairu wiped away her tears and ushered everyone inside. The Jia family's house wasn't large, but it was spotless. On the walls were certificates of merit for Jia Dang and Jia Huaihua, and on the windowsill were several potted succulents, transplanted by Jia Dang from outside, thriving. On the small table in the inner room lay the new clothes Qin Huairu had made for Jia Dang: a light blue coarse cloth jacket with a small gardenia embroidered on the collar, the stitches fine and neat.

Sha Zhu was already busy in the kitchen, wearing the apron Qin Huairu had made for him. He called out as he chopped meat, "Sister-in-law Qin, where's your soy sauce? I'll show you my braised pork ribs skills! Dangdang's going to school tomorrow, she needs to eat something good to nourish herself!" Qin Huairu quickly went into the kitchen to help, watching Sha Zhu's skilled movements, her heart filled with gratitude. Years ago, she had always schemed to steal Sha Zhu's lunchboxes, but after Lin Chen enlightened her, she made a living by mending. Sha Zhu not only didn't hold a grudge, but he often came to help, and always remembered to bring her food during holidays.

Lin Chen and Su Qing sat in the outer room, chatting with Jia Dang about school. Su Qing asked in detail about the registration time and the luggage to bring, and specifically reminded her, "When you get to school, get along well with your classmates. The textile major has a lot of practical classes, so be sure to pay attention to safety. If you need any daily necessities, just tell me and I'll buy them for you." Jia Dang nodded earnestly, remembering Su Qing's words one by one. She had known since childhood that Aunt Su Qing was an educated person and Uncle Lin's wife, and she respected her from the bottom of her heart.

Yan Bugui then pulled Jia Geng aside and asked about the workshop. When he heard that Jia Geng was learning forging, his eyes lit up: "Forging is a good craft. Your brother Liu Guangtian made his fortune through it. I'll find you a 'Forging Process Handbook.' Read it often when you have time. If you don't understand something, ask your Uncle Lin. He's an expert in this field." Jia Geng quickly thanked him. He knew that although Grandpa Yan used to be calculating, he never held back when it came to learning. Before, when he was bad at arithmetic, it was Yan Bugui who taught him abacus.

The aroma of cooking filled the courtyard, the scents of braised pork ribs and braised pork hock made by Sha Zhu wafting throughout the central courtyard. Mr. and Mrs. Liu also brought over a plate of scrambled eggs and a bowl of cucumber salad. Mrs. Liu smiled and said, "Sister Qin, my Guangtian said Dangdang got into school, and he's so happy he insisted I fry two eggs for her. These cucumbers are from the backyard, they're very fresh."

During the meal, the table was moved to the courtyard, where moonlight streamed in, illuminating everyone's smiling faces. Sha Zhu put a piece of spare rib on Jia Dang's plate: "Dangdang, study hard at school, and when you become a key technical worker in the future, don't forget your Uncle Sha Zhu!" Jia Dang bit into the spare rib and nodded, "I definitely won't forget! When I earn money, I'll buy Uncle some wine!" This made everyone laugh.

Lin Chen raised his teacup to Qin Huairu and said, "Sister-in-law Qin, Dangdang's success today is all thanks to your hard work and dedication. I'd like to toast you and wish Dangdang a bright future." Qin Huairu quickly picked up her teacup and clinked it against Lin Chen's: "Little Lin, I have to thank you. If you hadn't enlightened me back then, I'd still be struggling to make ends meet, and I wouldn't be where I am today. And Su Qing, she always helps me with the accounts and gives me advice; I'd like to toast you both as well."

Su Qing smiled and waved her hand: "Sister Qin, you're too kind. We're neighbors, it's only right that we help each other out. Besides, your sewing shop's business depends entirely on your excellent skills. The cheongsam I made for my mother last time, everyone praised it when she wore it out and asked me where I made it." Qin Huairu's sewing shop has indeed been doing better and better over the years. She has excellent skills and charges fair prices. Neighbors in the vicinity are willing to have their clothes made by her, and even customers from a little further away make a special trip to her shop.

Halfway through the meal, Jia Dang suddenly put down her chopsticks and said earnestly, "Mom, after I graduate, I'll come back and help you expand your sewing shop. We'll open a real clothing store so more people can wear the clothes you make." Qin Huairu looked at her daughter's determined eyes and nodded with a smile, "Okay, Mom will wait for that day. When that time comes, Mom will teach you how to make cheongsams. The cheongsams we make will definitely be more beautiful than those in the big department stores in the city."

Jia Geng chimed in, "Mother, once I become a full-time worker, I'll give you all my wages to help my sister raise money to expand the shop." Jia Huaihua wasn't to be outdone, "I want to help too! I'll pour water for the customers and help you watch the shop, Mother!" Looking at her three sensible children, Qin Huairu's tears flowed again, this time tears of happiness.

As night deepened, the neighbors gradually returned home. Qin Huairu cleared the dishes, with Jia Dang and Jia Huaihua helping her, while Jia Geng volunteered to fetch water, filling the water vat to the brim. Under the moonlight, the Jia family's courtyard appeared exceptionally warm and inviting. Watching the children's figures, Qin Huairu recalled the difficult times she had faced raising three children a few years ago, and looking at her life now, she was filled with mixed emotions. She knew that all these changes stemmed from Lin Chen's words from years ago, "Earning a living with your skills is more reliable than relying on scheming," and also from the help and tolerance of her neighbors in the courtyard.

The next morning, Qin Huairu took Jia Dang to school to register. She specially dressed Jia Dang in the blue cotton jacket embroidered with gardenias, and put the notebooks Lin Chen and Su Qing had given them, as well as the fountain pen Jia Geng had bought, into his schoolbag. When they arrived at the gate, Lin Chen and Su Qing were waiting for them. Su Qing handed Jia Dang a cloth bag: "Ta-da, here are the soap, towels, and a few packets of brown sugar that I prepared for you. If you don't feel well at school, just make some brown sugar water."

Lin Chen handed Qin Huairu a slip of paper: "This is the address of Section Chief Wang from the textile factory's technical department. He was my former colleague and knows a lot about textile technology. If Dangdang has any technical problems at school, or if she needs help finding a job after graduation, she can go to him." Qin Huairu took the slip of paper, clutched it tightly in her hand, and kept saying "thank you."

After dropping Jia Dang off at the school gate, watching her daughter's back as she walked into the teaching building with her schoolbag on her back, Qin Huairu felt both reluctant and proud. She stood at the gate for a long time, watching until Jia Dang's figure disappeared at the end of the corridor, before turning to leave. On her way home, thinking about Jia Dang's future, Jia Geng's forging skills, and Jia Huaihua's studies, her steps became lighter.

Back at the courtyard house, Qin Huairu saw Yan Bugui waiting for her as soon as she entered the central courtyard, holding a thick book. "Sister-in-law Qin, these are the 'Textile Technology Handbook' and 'Embroidery Techniques' I found. Please send them to Dangdang so she can study them carefully." Yan Bugui handed her the books; the covers were somewhat worn, but the writing inside was still clear, with many annotations he had made. Qin Huairu took the books, too moved to speak. She knew that Yan Bugui usually wouldn't waste even a single page of paper; these books must have been treasured by him for a long time.

In the days that followed, Qin Huairu's sewing shop became even busier. Neighbors, hearing that Jia Dang had been accepted into a textile school, all came to patronize her business, some ordering new clothes, others bringing in old garments to be refurbished. Qin Huairu worked from morning till night, pricking her fingers several times with needles, only to continue working after applying bandages. Seeing her hard work, Sha Zhu would come to help her fetch water and chop firewood every day after get off work, sometimes even bringing her hot meals from the canteen.

Jia Geng was also excelling in the workshop. He was learning forging from Liu Guangtian, and he was not only hardworking but also eager to learn. Once, the forging press in the workshop had a minor malfunction, and several experienced technicians couldn't fix it. Jia Geng remembered the equipment inspection methods Lin Chen had taught him before, tried to troubleshoot it, and actually found the problem. The workshop director praised him on the spot and even gave him a raise on his apprentice wages.

Jia Huaihua didn't disappoint either. Not only did she excel academically, but she also performed a dance at the school's arts festival, winning first prize. She sent the certificate to Jia Dang, who replied that she had also joined the school's handicraft club and won first place in the club's competition with an embroidered handkerchief. The two sisters encouraged each other and made progress together.

Three months later, Jia Dang returned from winter vacation, bringing gifts for everyone. He brought his mother a piece of Shanghai-made face cream, Jia Geng a delicate little hammer (for his forging), Jia Huaihua a pretty hair clip, Lin Chen and Su Qing a piece of new fabric from the textile factory, Sha Zhu a bottle of fine wine, and Yan Bugui a new arithmetic workbook.

On New Year's Eve, the Jia family's courtyard was exceptionally lively. Jia Dang told everyone about interesting things that happened at school, saying that she had visited a textile factory with her teacher, seen the modern textile machinery, and even operated a loom herself. Jia Geng said that the workshop foreman had promised to recommend him to the precision forging group after his apprenticeship. Jia Huaihua also said that she would join the school's English interest group next semester and wanted to apply to a foreign language college in the future.

The neighbors in the courtyard all gathered around. Sha Zhu prepared a large feast, Yan Bugui gave the children lucky money, and Liu Guangtian chatted with Jia Geng about forging techniques. Lin Chen and Su Qing watched this lively scene with hearts full of joy. The story of the courtyard house, from the initial scheming and disputes to the warmth and reunion it has now, is like the needle and thread in Qin Huairu's hands, stitch by stitch, embroidering the most touching picture of life.

On the morning of the first day of the Lunar New Year, Qin Huairu got up early and took out the new fabric that Jia Dang had brought back, preparing to make a new garment for each of her neighbors. Sunlight streamed in through the window, scattering colorful light across the fabric. She picked up her needle and thread and began to sew, stitch by stitch. Hidden in each stitch were her hopes for the children, her gratitude to her neighbors, and her beautiful dreams for the future.

Laughter from outside the courtyard gate drifted out. Jia Dang and Jia Huaihua were leading the other children in setting off firecrackers, while Jia Geng helped light them, his face beaming. Sha Zhu and Liu Guangtian were pasting Spring Festival couplets in the central courtyard, while Yan Bugui was calculating this year's harvest for everyone. Lin Chen and Su Qing stood at the door, watching the lively scene, and exchanged a smile.